A Port Allegany woman has graduated from the State Police Academy in Hershey, PA.

Noelle Schad will join Troop E in Erie County.

The following is a news release from Governor Tom Corbett’s office congratulating the new Troopers:

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett announced that 131 men and women joined the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police following their graduation today from the State Police Academy in Hershey.

“In years to come, you will look back on this day as the moment you became something bigger than yourselves,” Corbett said. “You join a force with more than a century of history. I salute your willingness to take on this calling. You are that part of government we want.”

Corbett spoke at the ceremony, which was held at Central Dauphin High School. Pennsylvania Superior Court President Judge Correale F. Stevens was the principal speaker and Commissioner Frank Noonan offered remarks. Cadet Mark J. Hydock, of Beaver Meadows, Carbon County, spoke on behalf of the cadet class.

Cadet Robert D. Richter Jr., of Holland, Bucks County, was named the outstanding cadet by his classmates and instructors, receiving the American Legion Award.

Major John W. Laufer III, director of the state police Bureau of Training and Education, supervised the training of the class, which was the 131st class to graduate from the State Police Academy in Hershey since it opened in 1960.

The graduates have been assigned to stations within nine troop areas across the state and will report to their stations on April 11.